Historical and practical realities of the desegregation process are outlined from a legal perspective. The court remedies have not enjoyed widespread success. Magnet schools have merit, but the number of Whites attending magnet schools is usually not sufficient for true desegregation. Upgrading all Black schools may provide a solution. (VM)

In 1972 a segregation suit was filed against the North St. Louis Board of Education. The resulting desegregation order led to a coalition of Black parents and White parents whose goal was to bring about educational change and maintain stable neighborhoods. The resulting Settlement Plan has been both hailed and attacked. (VM)

Describes a collaborative effort to improve education between the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Education and the Kansas City schools. Analyzes the effort using an anthropological model of organizational culture, and focuses on conflicts of perspective. Concludes that smaller, one-on-one interactions may be more beneficial than…

A historical review of intergroup relations and school segregation in St. Louis is given. The present desegregation plan is reviewed and evaluated. Although some of the criticisms have merit, the plan in its entirety is a good one which, if properly implemented, can provide Blacks with a good education. (VM)

The results and prospects of the magnet school component of desegregation efforts in St. Louis are presented. Demand for magnet seats is outstripping the supply, and thus, the pace of desegregation is limited. But these schools offer an improved educational program and provide more educational choices for families. (VM)

Discusses generally how a city can be used as an educational resource and presents a learning activity for middle-level social studies students. The lesson involves having student closely examine an aerial photograph of Hampton, VA, from the 1920s. Then, students make inferences from the photo about the lives of residents of Hampton at that time.…

The school desegregation plan in St. Louis is still plagued by pleadings and appeals. The plan has successfully improved educational programming, cooperative relationships, and student achievement; but the quality of the educational experience has yet to be evaluated and the reduction of the pupil teacher ratio has not come about. (VM)

Describes a grade eight course which focused on the neighborhood surrounding an inner city school. The course's objectives were to have students identify architectural features and their relations to architectural styles; ascertain the dominant style and date of probable period of construction; and make a composite map of the area, showing…

The efficacy of desegregation is questioned. Examples from St. Louis show how desegregation prepares minorities for the underclass. The following proposals are made: (1) assess desegregation's impact; (2) abandon the city-county programs; (3) appoint masters for nonintegrated schools; (4) restructure the city district; and (5) establish a summer…

The special program component of the St. Louis desegregation plan is reviewed. Some of the nonintegrated schools have been improved in the following ways: (1) better instruction; (2) additional staff; (3) remedial, compensatory, and enrichment programs; (4) parent programs; and (5) parent staff seminars. Financial and legal support should increase…

The supply and demand for teachers to staff urban public schools depend on the following factors: (1) school district resources; (2) climate and conditions of employment; (3) federal, state, and local policies; (4) demographic trends; and (5) socioeconomic factors. Urban school districts must recruit teachers and must continue to develop them…

The voluntary interdistrict transfer plan in St. Louis is one component of an overall desegregation effort. After three years, the plan has successfully provided equal access to quality educational programs. Findings are presented in the following areas: (1) demographic characteristics; (2) effects on students; (3) staff changes; and (4) school…

Discusses the Boston Compact, a 1982 agreement between Boston's business, governmental, and educational leaders to establish a system of priority hiring for high school graduates in return for the school system's assurance that it would improve education. Describes background and implementation since 1982, focusing on how well these goals have…

The content and process of teacher education for urban areas must familiarize teachers with urban issues and concerns. Elements of this training should include the following: (1) liberal arts; (2) personal and professional development; (3) philosophical foundations; (4) organizational studies; (5) field experiences; and (6) curriculum and…

There is a continuing demographic shift toward a multiethnic school population, but the teacher population includes few minorities. Teacher selection procedures should examine personal qualities such as adaptation, creativity, self-renewal, and moral orientation. Incentives for attracting minority populations to teaching are proposed. (BJV)